Video: Zachary, Chelsea, Pajamas, and Eileen

So we posted our video actually like before a lot of people (friday) but I didn't know that it had to be on the blog. So now, everyone can watch it. Hope you enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DtV_qnyPYc

done?

Well I'm not completely sure but I believe today is the last day of the challenge, but if it's not then it's too late anyways; I already ate meat and shaved this evening. Oh my, shaving was miraculous, to be able to feel the smoothness of my face was a feeling of utter joy; remembering what it feels like to be a child. I think Meredith will enjoy my new shaven face as well (she doesn't know that the challenge is over either). As for the meat, well truthfully I ate meat about 3 minutes before the day (and the challenge) ended so I guess a Bg+ is in order. The only sad thing about eating the meat early is that sadly the Polish meat-roll that I ate (no offense to Alex for he is a wonderful cook) was not really my taste. But nevertheless, it was meat.

Now that it's all over, the challenge, I suppose the teachers expect some type of reflection. Well here's my small little reflection: The challenge has taught me to savor what we have (lights, water, phone time, etc...) and while I don't know how much of my "cut-downs" saved the world, it was a good taste of the simpler life. This might be almost everyone's response but even so, I mean it; all of it. It wasn't half bad. 'Twas an experience, and a good one at that.

Goodnight.
Sleep tight.
Turn off all the lights.

Mickey D's

So today I had to leave soccer early because I had to go film a school concert at The Academy at Charlemont for six and boy was I tired. Am tired. (I'm sleepy).

Today I also had no time for a long conversation or even a shower. (I feel gross). At Charlemont when I kept explaining why I haven't shaved and why I can't eat meat everyone just gave me awkward looks and some even laughed. But soon enough, I tell them, I will eat the animals again and shave off this furry monster that is my half-beard. Someday...

On the way back Noah and I went to McDonald's for some shakes and fries (I know, I'm terrible). But luckily I didn't give up fast-food for my challenges, however, Noah did say that the fries technically have meat in them. If he's right I'm gonna feel bad. Who knows.

I nose.

Adam

That's right, I'm not posting my challenges anymore so if you don't know what they are just look at earlier posts from me. Sorry for the harshness.

This post is called 'Adam' because my oldest brother Adam is home today (we're all waiting for Noah to come home from college) and while we're waiting I explained to him the project and my challenges. But, only two of them really caught his attention: no shaving and no meat.

When I told Adam I wasn't shaving to help the environment he said "how does not shaving save the environment?" Truthfully, I'm not all too sure myself but it's fun/interesting. The only non-fun thing about letting the facial hair grow is that Meredith really does not like it. She doesn't hate it but she keeps asking "how much longer 'til you can shave again?" I tell her "another week or two. By the way, not that I'm able to but, how would you feel if I somehow grew a beard?" She just looked at me and shook her head "no no, not good." I guess I can't be as cool as Mr. Wallace after all.

When I mentioned going vegetarian to Adam he just said "you're gonna die. You're already too skinny." But I assured him that I'm doing fine: waffles, salads, eggs, etc. Then he asked "is eggs really vegetarian? Or no because they were never really born..." So now I'm asking all vegetarians (or non-veggies): do you think eggs should be on the vegetarian menu or no? Why? Why not? Either way I probably won't change my ways, but still, your thoughts.

Be kind. Gentle.

Caveman: Day Cinco

My current challenges:
1. 5 minute showers
2. 20 minutes (tops) of time on the phone for each person I talk to
3. No shaving
4. Along with the school we are turning off all lights until it is absolutely necessary, and when it is necessary we only turn on one light per room.
5. No meat. (Fish or any other kind).

I WANT TO SHAVE! Oh my goodness I thought the no-shaving task would be simple but it's just kind of bugging me now. It's not even Meredith, she says it's not all that bad and maybe I'll grow a beard, but I doubt it. Truthfully I don't mind it too much but I kind of wish I could shave. Yeesh.

My shower today (which was downstairs this time; kind of cold) was perhaps a little over 5 minutes. I don't know for sure because I didn't look at the clock but still I went as fast as I could possibly go. Scrubbing away the time.

The phone conversation today was...a little over. Okay fine, 10 minutes over. I'm sorry! So sue me. I'm not failing, I just need to cut down a tad more. It's still a giant improvement; I've gone from around 60-120 minutes to only about 30. That's an amazing achievement in itself.

Today we had macaroni and cheese. One box regular and one box of white-cheddar-shells. It was just delicious. I'm so happy that there are all these great non-meat foods out there that I just never really appreciated before. Oh! And at lunch I had my first PB&J sandwich in like 2 years. I KID YOU NOT. Sadly, it was not that good. Needed more jelly.

The lights? Well, we're all doing pretty well at the house. I remember the most (obviously) and therefore I remember to turn off the lights most often.

Altogether, it's going pretty "green". Ouch, that was lame.

Caveman: Day Cuatro (n' such)

My current challenges:
1. 5 minute showers
2. 20 minutes (tops) of time on the phone for each person I talk to
3. No shaving
4. Along with the school we are turning off all lights until it is absolutely necessary, and when it is necessary we only turn on one light per room.
5. No meat. (Fish or any other kind).

Yesterday I had to have tofu. Tofu! Jeez. It wasn't that bad but I would of obviously preferred the beef and chicken which is what most everyone else was having. However the tofu tasted rather well in the BBQ sauce. Luckily there are still two foods that I am very glad don't have meat in them: pizza and ice cream. The cheese pizza I had was delicious and totally non-meat and of course ice cream has no meat in it. That would be disgusting. Bacon vanilla swirl. Gross. Frozen chicken chunks in your ice cream. Can you say yum? Anyways, I had butterscotch ice cream and I smiled so brightly, it was just heaven. It's good to know that there are still good foods out there that aren't made with/of meat.

As usual: Shower...fine. No shaving...easy (except that I kind of want to shave, it's getting kind of, dare I say it, hairy). Phone...fine. Lights...well actually today I was in my room getting ready for church and I noticed that I had a light on and all the shades were closed. So, being the environmentally-friendly child that I am, I opened the shades and turned off the light. The room actually became brighter. Just goes to show you that sometimes sunshine is the best option.

Totes.

Caveman: Day Tres

My current challenges:
1. 5 minute showers
2. 20 minutes (tops) of time on the phone for each person I talk to
3. No shaving
4. Along with the school we are turning off all lights until it is absolutely necessary, and when it is necessary we only turn on one light per room.
5. No meat. (Fish or any other kind).

Well let's backtrack. Day 3, how'd it all go? Today I took a 5 minute shower, so that was all good. No shaving was, as always, muy muy simple. I must admit however that I did talk on the phone to one person in particular (Meredith) for more like 25 - 30 minutes rather than only 20. It wasn't her fault, I just didn't want to leave. I know, too sappy. But I miss her! Sorry, back to the assignment.

The "lowering lights" business is going pretty well. At the house Isaiah and I didn't have to turn on one light until about 7 when we could no longer see in our room. Also at school today, after walking back into the hallway from Wellness, I could see nothing. It was hilarious. Nichols and I were trying to find the correct lockers and I was trying to empty my backpack for GCC but I couldn't tell what I was grabbing. Quite an interesting experience.

Now, the last matter: no meat. I didn't have time for breakfast today (which is always sad) but for lunch I had pop-tarts and cereal, it was...okay. Kind of gross actually when looking back on it. But dinner was delicious. At first I was jealous of Isaiah because chicken patties are one of my favorite foods ever. EVER! But instead my mother made me two egg-in-a-holes. If you are not aware of what those are it's when you cut a hole in a piece of toast and cook an egg in it; delish. So luckily the "no meat" challenge isn't all bad, still, after these two weeks it's back to meat I go. But for now, I find substitutes.

Good night, and good luck.

Caveman: Day Dos

My current challenges:
1. 5 minute showers
2. 20 minutes (tops) of time on the phone for each person I talk to
3. No shaving
4. Along with the school we are turning off all lights until it is absolutely necessary, and when it is necessary we only turn on one light per room.
5. No meat. (Fish or any other kind).

So day 2. Well, it was a little harder because the whole "no meat" is not as easy as it seems. All I've been having is potatoes, grilled cheese, french fries, and salad. But you know, it was actually all pretty darn good. I think I can keep this up for two weeks. Unlike my mother (and don't tell her this) but I'm being a REAL vegetarian. Meaning: no fish either, she is a vegetarian but eats seafood. But because I'm just doing two weeks I'm going full out NO CARNE. Truthfully I believe I will not stay vegetarian, I love meat too much, so after these two weeks it's back to the old carnivore Zach.

As for everything else. No shaving: Simple. 5 minute shower: I didn't go running so no shower today. 20 min phone: Meredith came over so I didn't even really use the phone. And lights: Well, we could be doing better. I keep walking around the house and noticing that we have unnecessary lights on and I'm just like "come on people!" I mean, I forget too myself but I'm just trying to help lower the bill.

We shall see how day three goes...and so on. So for now, goodbye.

Caveman: Day Uno

My current challenges:
1. 5 minute showers
2. 20 minutes (tops) of time on the phone for each person I talk to
3. No shaving
4. Along with the school we are turning off all lights until it is absolutely necessary, and when it is necessary we only turn on one light per room.
5. (Starting today) I'm going to go veggy...no meat.

So far all has gone pretty well. The 5 min shower was quick and easy and the no shaving was just, well...fun basically (rugged). The two tougher challenges is the phone and light shortages. The toughest part with the phone is that I enjoy talking with Meredith for almost 45-60 minutes each night 'cause it's my only time to talk to her on the weekdays. When I told her about the challenge she was a little bummed out, but she understands. As for the lights: we've been eating with more windows open and my mom only cooked with one light instead of three. My room only had one light on instead of three and the same goes for the basement. Sometimes it's a little difficult but I find myself turning off lights here and there when everyone else forgets. It's almost (dare I say it) fun. When I told my mom about the shower, phone, and light cut-offs all she said was "I've been trying to get you guys to do this for years. I think it's a great idea. About time." Oh mother.

The only thing that makes these challenges a little tougher is that for the next two days (along with yesterday) for Wellness I'm going music-less. No listening to any music or playing any musical instruments. It's a tough time, but truthfully, not that tough. Everything has been going just fine...for now.

Oh and for a final note, starting today I'm going to TRY no meat. Oh my. Let's see how this goes. Then again Meredith is a vegetarian so maybe she'll like it. We can bond over tofu. But, then again, I hate tofu. Also, my mother is a vegetarian so maybe she'll like this idea as well. We'll see how she takes it, she'll probably end up feeding me a lot of stir-fry.